Question

The nurse is preparing to administer Ringer's lactate to a client with hypovolemic shock. Which interventions is important in helping to stabilize the client's condition? A. Warming the intravenous fluids B. Determining whether the client can take oral fluids C. Checking for the strength of pedal pulses D. Obtaining the specific gravity of the urine

Short answer

#Short Answer# Warming the intravenous fluids is the correct intervention to help stabilize the client's condition during hypovolemic shock. This action helps prevent hypothermia, which can further complicate the treatment process. The other options (determining whether the client can take oral fluids, checking the strength of pedal pulses, and obtaining urine specific gravity) are not primary interventions in stabilizing the client's condition, but rather are diagnostic or monitoring tools.

Step-by-step solution

Option A: Warming the intravenous fluids

Warming the intravenous fluids before administering can help prevent hypothermia caused by the cold fluids. Hypothermia further complicates treatment by reducing metabolic rate and increasing the risk of coagulopathy. This intervention is thus important in helping stabilize the client's condition.

Option B: Determining whether the client can take oral fluids

In severe cases of hypovolemic shock, oral rehydration might not be an effective or rapid enough method of fluid replacement. Ringer's lactate intravenously administration is faster and is the preferred intervention. Assessing the ability to take oral fluids is not crucial during the immediate management of hypovolemic shock.

Option C: Checking for the strength of pedal pulses

It is true that pedal pulses can provide insight into the client's peripheral circulation and can be used to evaluate shock status. While this is relevant information, it is not a primary intervention in stabilizing the client's condition.

Option D: Obtaining the specific gravity of the urine

Although urine specific gravity can also be used to assess fluid balance and the severity of volume depletion, it is more of a diagnostic and monitoring tool, not a treatment intervention. Based on this analysis, the correct answer is: A. Warming the intravenous fluids